The Kirkus Prize is one of the richest literary awards in the world, with a prize of $50,000 bestowed annually to authors of fiction, nonfiction and young readers’ literature. It was created to celebrate the 81 years of discerning, thoughtful criticism Kirkus Reviews has contributed to both the publishing industry and readers at large. Books that earned the Kirkus Star with publication dates between November 1, 2014, and October 31, 2015, are automatically nominated for the 2015 Kirkus Prize, and the winners will be selected on October 23, 2015, by an esteemed panel composed of nationally respected writers and highly regarded booksellers, librarians and Kirkus critics.

KIRKUS REVIEW

From the author of Leo the Lion (1991), a high-spirited addition to the Easy-to-Read series, accompanied by expressive watercolors. Socks the cat brings a mouse in from the garden with the clear intention to eat it, but drops it when Mother throws a cushion at him. Suddenly, the mouse has the run of the house, and narrator, Julia, and her siblings are delighted. The youngest, Katie, names it Lisa; while Mother sets up a trap, the children secretly leave salami and chocolate snacks for the mouse in every room. Lisa's nibbling and droppings become a nuisance; in the end they trap her safely and let her go in the woods. The story races along, slightly more difficult than most entries in the series and providing novice readers with a real sense of accomplishment when they've turned the last page. The details of dialogue and action bring each character to life, including Socks and Lisa. The scenes have a domestic warmth, juxtaposing the children's exuberance with Mother's exasperation in a way that is both authentic and gently humorous. (Fiction. 7-9)

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